The Echo of First Love

Chapter 2

Karan's POV

I was working on paperwork in my office when my assistant knocked,
"May I come in Sir?" She asked.
I nodded, still staring at the paperwork and not paying attention.
She waited for me to finish my work before telling me about all of my meetings . God, I'm having a hectic day today.

After she finished, I instructed her, "When Angel comes and I'm busy, keep her in my office, okay?"

It had become routine for her to come to my office after playgroup and join me for lunch. I enjoyed this with her. It was similar to how my love  used to bring me home-cooked meals. It is my favourite memory, and this office still plagued me. I could sense her absence across the office. Every floor, each door, and even the air reminded me of her. I closed my eyes to calm my mind. This is not the place to reveal my vulnerabilities. I took a breath and nodded to my assistant.

After 30 minutes, I had a meeting with a software firm. They have been working with us for several years. Again, software must be developed, but this time under the leadership of someone new. That is why I am personally attending this conference to see if that guy is any good. 

Thirty minutes went like seconds, and it was time for the meeting. I gathered my belongings and called my assistant. We entered the meeting room, and I sat at the centre table. There were also folks from my firm. I had no idea who was the head. They all looked the same. Then I heard a knock, followed by her voice.

"I am sorry everyone, I could not find the way here."She replied, smiling.
Her coworkers handed her a chair to sit in.

"Thank you" she said.

She began preparing things for the presentation without even looking at my side. I felt like I knew her from somewhere, but I couldn't recall where.
She turned to look at me once she finished setting up.
Her smile vanished, and her expression was as if she had seen a ghost. I frowned at her behaviour. Weird. I even examined myself to ensure that everything was okay. After a few moments, I noticed her hiding her emotions. She faked another smile and began presenting. She stammered at first, but gradually regained her position. 

She was bold and upfront about her plans. She delivered the presentation  and I was very impressed with how she presented the plans. 

"Any questions?" she inquired, glancing in everyone's direction but mine. 

What exactly is wrong with her? Am I a ghost, or what? I thought. 

"I have," I responded with a low but commanding voice.  

She stiffened, and something appeared in her eyes, but she quickly covered it up. Her eyes became expressionless once more. 

"Go ahead, Sir," she responded with the same commanding tone I used in my voice. 

Very impressive!! We were discussing all of the project details when my assistant knocked on the door. 

"Sir," she asked, frightened.

 "What happened?" I asked.

"Sir Angel, she iscrying and won't stop; I've tried everything," she said, worrying.

Before I could say anything, Angel charged at me, shrieking at me.

"Dada...I need you" My heart constricted as I saw her crying, and I took her in my lap.

I was gently tapping on her back, but she was just crying.

"What happened bacha, anyone said anything to you".